Thunderbolts #165 Review

Satana and Namor, sitting in a tub...

Jeff Parker continues to write the most fun team book in recent memory. The Thunderbolts accidentally wound up in the past and are now charged with helping Captain America and Namor rescue the Human Torch from Baron Zemo in order to save their own future. The presence of the Invaders has elevated their situation from bad to absolutely zany, and the result could not be more entertaining. One of the best lines comes when Cap watches the T-Bolts brutally defeat a group of enemies: "If it didn't sound insane… I'd almost think the Thunderbolts are enjoying it."

Parker gives each character a moment to shine in a way that highlights what makes them a unique part of the team. Boomerang taunts Hyde for having short range, Troll wildly hacks apart the synthetic fire creatures, and Moonstone chases a rocket ship through the sky. It makes for a quirky, adventurous read, but Satana yet again steals the show. Namor becomes dehydrated so she brings him back to the base, puts him in a bath surrounded by candles ("We're trying to conserve electricity," she tells him), does a rehydration spell, and then joins him in the bath since a "physical connection" is required to complete it. Such devilish behavior ought to be expected from her, but Parker always manages to push her to do unforeseeably devious deeds.

The visuals have never been better on this title. Kev Walker does a great job of maintaining a realistic environment for these crazy characters to operate in. The way he transitions from the snowy battlefield, up to the castle, inside a blimp floating in an unknown location, and back again is incredibly smooth, utilizing a stylized yet intuitive set of paneling techniques. His Mr. Hyde is especially well-done and he earns a few laughs through physical comedy and funny facial expressions. What started as a crazy and confusing story arc has completely turned around into a crazy and charming romp through time that was breathtaking, sexy, and hilarious.